You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
- Ray Bradbury

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

PROPOSED PLATFORM OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON - DRAFT 7

The following is a draft. It might not provide the most exciting reading, but I would invite comments from anyone interested in helping us generate a platform that can connect with as many Oregonians as possible! Thanks in advance!

Proposed Platform of the Democratic Party of Oregon – Draft 7 – 11/29/05

In our lives as Oregon Democrats we hold multiple roles. Whether rural, urban, or suburban, we are family members, neighbors, workers, U.S. citizens, and part of the global community. We must take responsibility for the needs, survival, and dignity of the coming generations. Our political philosophy must embrace all our roles, with their rights and responsibilities.

Oregon Democrats insist we can live according to our highest ideals. We work towards economic and social justice for all. We must govern ourselves to promote the Common Good. The well-being of Oregon, our nation, the global community, and future generations depends on implementing a just and farsighted vision.

As Oregon Democrats, we recognize that the citizens of our state and our country ARE the government. We will fight any forces that try to limit our freedoms or take the power that rightfully belongs to “We the People”. The Bill of Rights and associated civil liberties are not subject to the convenience of the government nor momentary security considerations. They are the enduring standard of our liberty. We commit to helping our hard-working citizens regain their rightful role in this country, in this government, in this 230-year-old Democracy (Republic?).

1) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Individuals and Family Members

As Oregon Democrats, we hold a fundamental belief that all citizens must be able to achieve personal security for themselves and their family. No matter where they live in our state, people must have access to the products and services necessary for a healthy and productive life. A Living Wage is a critical step in laying the foundation for self-sufficiency. We respect the inherent human dignity of each person, regardless of differences in race, religion, or other aspects of their individual identities.

Shelter, Food, Health Care, and a Living Wage: Securing the Basic Necessities of Life

Human Rights: Guaranteeing Equal Rights for All People

2) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Members of a Community

As members of our local, state, and national communities, we recognize the benefits we have received through our communities and commit to paying them back. We embrace the Social Contract that binds us to other members of our communities, a contract that asks each person to contribute for the good of all. As rural, urban, and suburban Oregonians, we recognize our common interests and shared responsibilities. We demand that government function with fiscal responsibility that does not burden future generations with debts created by a “borrow and spend” economic policy. We reject policies that practice class warfare and perpetuate stark divisions between a privileged few and the majority of working Americans. We move beyond self-interest and focus on decisions made for the Common Good of both present and future generations.

Public Education: Taking Responsibility to Prepare the Next Generation

Revenue Policy: Paying a Fair Share and Endowing Future Generations

3) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Workers and Business People

As workers and business people, we are instrumental in creating our country’s wealth. We work in many trades and professions, and include farmers, ranchers, union members, business owners, professionals and trades people. We demand respect and adequate reward for our efforts. We insist that our economy be managed to sustain local jobs and businesses, and embrace long-term sustainability over short-term profits. We demand that corporations also function as ethical members of the community, contributing to values beyond shareholder profit.

Business and Economic Development: Creating a Sustainable Economy that Enriches Everyone

Forest, Field and Range: Supporting Oregon’s Small Farmers, Ranchers and Foresters as They Provide from the Land

Labor: Ensuring that Hard Work Is Rewarded and Includes Retirement Security

As Oregon Democrats, and U.S. citizens, we are committed to the ongoing task of sustaining our democracy. We are guided by the principles this country was founded on. Our government was created to reflect the will of the people. We are committed to extending and deepening freedom, equality and democracy. We will be vigilant in protecting our freedoms as outlined in the Bill of Rights. Reform of our election process is crucial, as the right to vote is the foundation for all our other rights. In order to be a shining example of Democracy to other countries, we must hold our system to the highest standards.

Election Reform: Opposing Privatization of The Vote and Guaranteeing Transparent Elections that Reflect the Will of the People

As Oregon Democrats, we recognize that we have responsibilities beyond our national borders. As citizens of a powerful nation with global impact, we must find common cause and pursue rational cooperation with other nations. We recognize that our security and our moral standing as a nation depend on adhering to the Rule of Law. Globalization has entrusted all of us with a responsibility to be knowledgeable stewards of the planet. In economic relations with other nations, we support Fair Trade principles, through which we maintain the highest standards for labor rights and environmental protection. We lift our eyes beyond national self-interest and affirm the principle of global cooperation, working to ensure the survival and well-being of present and future generations.

Ecology and Natural Resources: Providing for Our Needs, While Preserving the Earth

Energy and Transportation: Practicing Conservation While Tapping Human Ingenuity to Fuel the Future

Foreign Policy and National Security: Engaging the World through the Strength of Diplomacy, Justice, and the Rule of Law

3 Comments:

We just elected our commissioner court precinct chair, so that there is now going to be a legitimate hierarchy in our local political structure. In other words, we're getting some structure in there, so that we can promote populism.

Elected this guy Mike Murphy who who is a seriously passionate populist. I feel very good about it. :-)

Thanks, J! I didn't write this, of course, it's at the state level, but input is being accepted from all interested parties.

Good job being involved, Sheryl! I'm going to get off my duff and start going to some local Democrat meetings again. We're having a big one next Tuesday with some folks from around the state coming to talk about how to get out the vote, and for designing some strategies for connecting with voters who tend to vote GOP just because.

About Me

I am a native eastern Oregonian, and have lived here 47 of my 59 years. I left at 20, but was back by age 32 to be near my parents to help them in times of need. I don't fit in politically here because I view things from a decidedly left wing perspective... but that's o.k. because I love the people, I love the area and for the most part I like living here. I enjoy family time, listening to music, reading books, traveling, bird watching, hiking, backpacking, watching movies, keeping up on politics, watching sports, sitting at the computer so much I get sores on my ass, and playing music... if you need a band for your party or celebration, let me know; I play keyboards and sing for a rock and roll band, and we do mostly "classic rock". (I also like to play guitar and bass and other instruments, but those are for my private enjoyment only!) I am mainly an agnostic/skeptic, but would consider myself spiritual. I work in schools and in clinical settings as a speech/language therapist. It is enjoyable work and it pays some of the bills. I have a rather unpredictable sense of humor, which can get me in trouble at times, but hey, is life worth living without laughter? I think not!